Bishops of France Condemn Riots "With all believers, we pray that these disturbances will cease, that legitimate demands will be heard" FULL TEXT

 

France is reeling from the worst nationwide riots and civil unrest in decades, prompting the government to order overnight curfews in parts of multiple major cities. Over 550,000 people took to the streets over the weekend in demonstrations that were initially peaceful but rapidly descended into mass rioting, looting, and arson. More than 2,400 people have been arrested across the country, with at least 3,000 businesses damaged or completely pillaged. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

FULL TEXT - Reaction from the Presidency of the Conference of Bishops of France

Published on October 19, 2026

In the face of the serious violence and scenes of rioting that shook the country on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Presidency of the Conference of Bishops of France (CEF) expresses its support and solidarity with those who have suffered injuries, condemns the spiral of violence and calls on believers to pray for dialogue and peace.

On Saturday, October 17, our country was gripped by unacceptable violence. Alongside planned and authorized demonstrations, serious disturbances erupted: members of the security forces were attacked and injured, shops were looted, public property was damaged, and buildings representing state institutions were vandalized. These scenes of rioting plunged the country into shock, fear, and despair, raising numerous questions about the root causes of this crisis.

We wish to express our support and solidarity with all those who have suffered injuries, as well as with the many shopkeepers who have been victims of this vandalism. We urge everyone not to be drawn into the spiral of this deadly violence: our country deserves better. With all believers, we pray that these disturbances will cease, that legitimate demands will be heard and addressed, and that, through dialogue and respect for justice, peace may return.

 

The Presidency of the Conference of Bishops of France :

+ Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, President of the Conference of Bishops of France , Archbishop of Marseille

+ Bishop Vincent Jordy, Vice-President of the Conference of Bishops of France , Archbishop of Tours

+ Bishop Benoît Bertrand, Vice-President of the Conference of Bishops of France , Bishop of Pontoise